Canberra-based start-up, OK RDY, has signed business and industry heavyweights Telstra, IBM and the Australian National University to their 2017 pilot program.
The mentorship and skilled-volunteer matching app provides a tool for connecting students with professionals and organisations – improving employability for the students, and diversity and cultural outcomes for the workplaces.
The OK RDY platform is designed to foster better and more meaningful connections by matching students and mentors through personal interests, career skills or industry trends, causes they support, social passions and past experience.
OK RDY CEO and Founder, Timothy McKay was excited to have such notable organisations as Telstra, IBM and the Australian National University on board for the pilot program.
“We approached these pilot partners because they share a common goal of improving employability, diversity and cultural outcomes through innovative practices, aiming to bridge the skills-gap between tertiary education and careers,” Mr McKay said.
“Our partners understand the critical importance of developing a skilled pipeline of students if Australia is to remain competitive in global markets.”
The OK RDY app functions to ensure prospective employees and the companies they want to work for are a good fit. It allows them to build a professional relationship and even share information about their industry and employer.
“OK RDY is about more than linking professionals and emerging talent,” Mr McKay said. “We want to equip workers and workplaces with the foundational knowledge that enriches both sides. This means ensuring that people launching into a new career are kept abreast of the changes and trends that someone already at work would know inherently.
“It’s not about laying out a defined pathway for the mentee – it’s about helping them seize the opportunities and avoid some of the pitfalls an experienced eye can spot.”
The app’s closed-beta launch will begin in Canberra in late September, with public beta-testing slated for early 2018.
The addition of organisations of the calibre of Telstra, IBM and ANU speaks of positive things for this homegrown enterprise, and it’s a vote of confidence Mr McKay is taking very seriously.
“It’s been fantastic working with our pilot partners over the past months and we look forward to developing an ongoing relationship as we progress. Together, we hope to cultivate a network that supports the workforce of tomorrow.”
For more information on the app, visit www.okrdy.com
Media contact OK RDY: Timothy McKay 0439472589 or tim@okrdy.com
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